Interchangeable cartridge data storage system for devices performing diverse functions

Abstract

A system for exchanging digital data among a plurality of hand-held computer devices. Digital signals are written by a first hand-held device to a mini-cartridge that mini-cartridge is inter-operable among a class of hand-held devices, each of which is equipped with a mini-disk drive. A common digital data format is employed to further facilitate exchange of data between devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An interchangeable cartridge data storage system comprising: a plurality of devices for generating signals representing different functions performed by different classes of said devices:   a mini-cartridge having a medium on which said signals are recorded; and   a mini drive in said devices for writing said signals and reading said signals from said medium so that diverse functions performed by said different classes of said devices can be interchangeably operated upon by said devices.   
     
     
       2. The data storage system recited in claim 1 further comprising; a full size drive larger than said mini drive and accommodating a cartridge which is larger than said mini-cartridge; and   means for adapting said mini-cartridge to said full size drive to make said devices forward compatible with said full size drive.   
     
     
       3. The data storage system recited in claim 2 further comprising: a host computer, said full size drive having an interface for transferring signals between said full size drive and said host computer.   
     
     
       4. The data storage system recited in claim 2 where said full size drive accommodates a full size cartridge and wherein said full size cartridge has a recording medium on which said signals are recorded and from which said signals can reproduced. 
     
     
       5. The data storage system recited in claim 4 wherein said medium in said mini-cartridge and said medium in said full size cartridge are a flexible magnetic disks. 
     
     
       6. The data storage system recited in claim 2 further comprising; a caddy for accommodating said mini-cartridge to make it compatible with said full size disk drive.   
     
     
       7. The data storage system recited in claim 6, wherein said full size drive has a spindle motor and wherein said caddy has means for translating the center of rotations of said spindle motor to a different center of rotation of said mini-cartridge. 
     
     
       8. The data storage system recited in claim 7 wherein said caddy has means for changing rotational speed from a lower rotation speed of said full size cartridge to a higher rotational speed of said mini-cartridge. 
     
     
       9. The data storage system recited in claim 1 wherein said different classes of devices include digital cameras, electronic books, global positioning systems, personal digital systems, portable games, cellular phones and digital cameras.